Toyota Yaris

kneisl1

No those figures are meaningless. A diesel engine is typically 15% more fuel efficient than a same sized gasoline engine. Its impossible to say exactly WHAT the efficiency of a hyrid car is. For instance, the ECHo uses the same engine as a Prius, but the Prius is rated 75 hp as opposed to the ECHOs 106. How you you compare the two? However. The check I wrote for my ECHO was $13.1K. I looked at the Prius and the dealer wanted $28,000 for it. Thats before tax and probably a lot more you wouldnt want to think about. I know there are tax credits (assuming you qualify) but there is no way a Prius is going to save you $15,000 in gas over an ECHO. Well, maybe if gas was $20 a gallon. (knock on wood)

lhanson

They opening measures about 29 inches high. The width of the opening is narrower at the top than it is at the bottom, but you be able to get something about 32 inches wide at the narrowest part at the top. If it is not 29 inches high, then you can get a wider cage in the opening.

reddroverr

perhaps somewhere inbetween:

Diesel engines are now more costly than gasoline engines but generally improve fuel economy by between 20% and 35%.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002-08-08-ford-diesel_x.htm

kdhspyder

I thought you were talking about something different. You are correct the Echo/Yaris is much better as basic transportation than the Prius. Never any doubt about that.

The Echo has no features but it's very reliable transportation.

iluvmysephia1

Thanks for getting back to me on the hybrid cats question of mine. My big question is how would my 15 y/o Norwegian Forest Cat decide she will get along with a large feline introduced into the house? The short answer is she'll probably have a keniption fit. :mad:

BTW, mokave, there's now some input regarding hatchback dimensions on this thread, check them out. Hopefully you can get a bead now on whether the Yaris liftback will be able to fit your hybrid cage in or not.

mokave

The "specialist" got a POOR rating from me as well. I don't think they care...

Nora
Mokave Cats

mokave

Aprox. 29"H x 32"W at the top. Thanks for measuring that!

Do you happen to know how deep the cargo space is with the seats down? I need at least 31" in length for the smallest cat pen to fit with the hatch shut.

Nora
Mokave Cats

lhanson

It looks like there is at least 36 inches without moving the front seats forward. There is only one back seat that folds almost flat, but not quite.

mokave

Thanks for your help. The cat pen is about 30" in length so it sounds like it would fit.

Now if my local dealer had a Liftback so I could do a test drive... I've never had such a hard time trying to buy a car!

Nora
Mokave Cats

lhanson

You may have to commit without a test drive. If you can believe the reviews, you wouldn't be risking much. If you can get it for MSRP, that it about the best you can do. Who is your local dealer?

mokave

There sre two:

Coggin Toyota and Keith Pierson Toyota

Both claim they will be getting some more Yaris within the month. I won't buy anything without driving it first so I hope they are right.

lhanson

I take it that you live in the Jacksonville, FL area. I am showing that Keith Pierson will be getting a Manual Hatchback in on 5/31/06. Ernie Palmer has a loaded liftback in stock right now. Take your cage along and see if it fits, then put some money down on the cheaper one at Keith Pierson to hold it for you.

mokave

Thanks. I'll check this out.

When I called Keith Pierson Toyota, they said no Yaris for a month and I had to ask them to take my number to call me when one came in.

Nora
Mokave Cats

violin

Hi - new to this forum.

After a long wait, my Yaris is due in the dealer this week. Another couple of days to install the leather and I'm set!

Anyhoo... Does anyone know what size speakers the Liftback takes (front and rear)? I want to order a good set now so I can install them when I get the car.

Thanks.

reddroverr

Leather as in leather seats? How much did that cost you?

Enjoy the new car.

violin

Leather seats, door panels, the armrest (an option I didn't really want but I took it) - $1,100.

loul

Nora (Mokave),

Check-out the 60/40 split backseat option. It comes with the "Power Pkg" ($1,290) and provides a totally flat space when the backseat is folded down - it also allows you to slide the rear seat(s) foward and back and recline them 'one click', too.

Just measured mine: 39" at narrowest point between wheelwells, 50" at widest point. 33"-34" in depth from top of hatch to back of headrest. 51" depth at floor level between back of seat and lip of hatch.

We easily get two Dahon 20" Folding Bikes back there, folded and laying down.

60/40 option is worth the $ - you also get power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD and power mirrors.

Lou
2007 Yaris Liftback
w/Stickshift

mokave

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

My plan is to go with the PP option, which has all the goodies you described. I'd also like the ABS brakes and tinted windows. Haven't decided about the spoiler yet. And am thinking I might like the option that comes with a built-in compass.

Today, Coggin Toyota called me to say that they had just received a Yaris Liftback (manual) that I could come in and test drive. When I arrived, however, the Liftback manual had magically become a Yaris sedan automatic. Needless to say I was a bit PO'd about wasting my time.

I'm planning on checking out the other Toyota dealers asap. I've got 12 beautiful kittens that will be old enough to ship next month!

Nora
Mokave Cats

loul

I was only able to drive an automatic sedan before telling the fleet mgr to go for the loaded LB. I could tell the engine was smooth and ran well, and I knew the pep and feel would be much better with the Stick.

We gave the LB a six mile test run b4 giving them the check. It has a GREAT trans and shifter and is way peppier than the A/T demo car.

I don't think you will be dissapointed. We have had three older ALFAs - '71/'74/'76 - and judge cars on that basis. (We also have a 2006 4Runner Sport V8)

Our Yaris is fun to drive!

Lou

mokave

It's nice to hear this from someone who actually has one. I'd test drive a LB automatic if that's all they can get but I would think the seats, positions, visibility, and controls would be slightly different from the sedan to the LB. Yes? No?

Nora

brucepadgett

I've tested both. The liftback I tried once, and my initial impression was it had a bumpier ride than the sedan. However, I've since tried out a few more sedans and have found variations in how well they ride. My last test today (with correct tire pressure) was rather disappointing. I also was less than pleased with the steering wheel; it seemed to be veering to the left. On toyotanation.com in their Echo/Yaris forum, there's a thread which discusses steering problems a couple of Yaris owners have been experiencing. Per the thread, it's not that easy to fix either.

To be honest, the Yaris is beginning to feel like a toy when compared to my '06 Corolla. And I'm not bragging; I'm the guy who's been whining about the Corolla's bumpy ride. I might give the liftback another go just for the heck of it, but I do believe the thrill is gone. If both the Corolla and the Yaris have similar rides and similar prices, but the Corolla is sumptuous in comparison, then why bother really?

fearturtle44

Yeah, you definitely have to test drive. But for me, mine was a dealer exchange so I did not get to test drive mine but did another "s". Both have the same NON-bumpy ride (much better than my Scion tC and my Corolla) and no steering problems.

Both are good cars but the Corolla is just too plain/drab looking. Whereas the "S" has a much sportier look as well as better MPG, and lower price.

Plus nobody has a Yaris on the road so it looks pretty neat. Tons of Corollas out there. I did love my Corolla until I gave it to my son.

loul

Nora,

There is probably a small difference in visibility re: LB vs. Sedan, but the rest seemed the same.

We are also probably not as particular as some folks - we adjust easily to differences even though we are in our early 60's.

We were at our dealer earlier today to get the initial oil change on the 4Runner and saw three Yarii (2-LB and 1-Sedan) - one was demo unit and two that had just sold - all were without the PwrPkg.

FYI: We have not had any issues with the steering on our LB - wheel and car run straight as an arrow.

Lou

micweb

I saw one on the freeway today, from all angles, and they really nailed the styling on this one!

jaxs1

Looks like most options I'd want (side curtains, ABS, power package etc.) are available for the Yaris 3-door after all, just not in my region.
I thought a power package was not available because the Toyota build site does not offer any options on the liftbacks in my region at the moment. All the liftbacks are no-options and an option package is available only on the 4-door.
If they started offering all the available Yaris options on the liftbacks in my region, I'd be almost tempted to buy one, except for not having cruise control available.
I saw the post about aftermarket cruise control, but I don't want to mess with that.
A 5-speed automatic (like the Honda Fit) would make the Yaris more attractive also.
I'm not going to even look at a Honda Fit mostly because it's already a 5 year-old design in Japan and it shows. The renderings of the restyled 2008 Fit looks good to me though especially if it get's better MPG than a Civic at that point.
30 city, 40 highway mpg for the Honda Civic automatic is really excellent mileage, but it doesn't have the utility to carry larger objects the way a hatchback can.

micweb

Although I normally share your hesitation on aftermarket cruise control, the Rostra unit mentioned earlier is worth considering for a few reasons - it is a regionally approved dealer accessory for at least one Toyota distributor region, so at least at some level, somewhere it has Toyota's blessing; no major surgery is required to install it (no wires through the firewall); and the Yaris has electronic throttle control, which means a computer signal is used to govern the speed, not a rube golberg vacuum actuated throttle cable control unit.

jaxs1

I may go test drive Yaris to see if I like the basic way it drives well enough to wait for all the factory options to offered or my region or just move on to something else. If the engine and road noise are too buzzy and loud or if the driving position is too low or odd, lack of cruise control will become a moot point.

I have recently driven a rental Corolla and Sentra and they were quiet enough at idle and at low cruising speeds, but as soon as you tried to accelerate and the tach got over even 2500 - 3,000 RPM, the engines would get super loud and moan with a droning and ugly exhaust note like they were being over worked. Can't stand that. I suppose the Yaris could be at least as loud if not even louder.

loul

From two very experienced 4Cyl drivers (age 63 & 61) there is absolutely no engine buzz in this car up to the 70-80 MPH we have taken it so far. The engine is very quiet at all speeds.

Based upon the MPH/1,000 RPM chart in the Car & Driver review, it's only tacking 3,400 RPM at 70 in 5th gear!!! Redline is 6,500!!! It's not even breathing hard at 70, and it is very quiet! (You can run at 70 MPH in 4th gear and only be taching about 4,320 RPM.) This is not a Pinto or a Chevette or an original VW bug.

Our '74 ALFA, which loves to run at 3,000-4,000 RPM, is far louder engine-wise than our Yaris LB.

Lou

hwyhobo

Does anyone know top gearing ratios for auto and manual transmissions for Yaris LB? Toyota website doesn't have them, their e-brochure doesn't have them, and the salesman I asked... well, you know the answer.

While I've driven a stick for the past quarter century, autos have improved, and my occassionally acting up left knee could use some rest. However, I don't want to buy a car that will roar at fast highway speeds. I used to own Toyota Celica GT long time ago (stick), and a friend of mine owned an automatic. Mine was absolutely quiet at 75-80, his sounded like it was stuck at a redline.

jaxs1

Even 3400 in 5th sounds high to me since I'm used to a V6 that would probably be running below 2500 rpm at the same speed.
The Nissan Sentra I just rented was really loud and boomy when the engine passed near and over 3000 RPM even though that was not anywhere near it's redline either, so I couldn't imagine cruising along on an hours long trip with the engine buzzing at 3400 rpm.
Some engines sound really good running at high rpms, but a Yaris is not an RX-8 or S2000. Econocar engines normally have a real ugly and embarrassing engine and exhaust sound you want to avoid inciting.
I wonder what kind of RPMs a 4-speed automatic Yaris in it's top gear would be running at 70MPH?

kato1

there is absolutely no engine buzz in this car up to the 70-80 MPH we have taken it so far. The engine is very quiet at all speeds.

i couldnt disagree more. i found the yaris, especially the hb, quite buzzy at anything over 65 mph. it revs rather high and there is not a lot of sound insulation on these cars. 3400 rpm's at 70 mph is awful high. id venture to say that a good majority of 4 cyl cars dont rev anywhere near that high. i consider the corolla noticeably quieter at highway speed. part of the reason is at 70 mph its revving at about 2850 rpms. ive driven the current gen sentra, and found the engine to be raucous at any speed.

one thing people dont realize is that the faster they go, sometimes in a small car the road/wind/tire noise becomes so prominent as to make one believe the engine is not that loud, when in reality those noises are simply drowning ou the engine. for me personally, if i had to take a long highway trip in a yaris at 70-80 mph, the engine drone would drive me nuts.

loul

kato1's post got me to look at my RPM spreadsheet again.

Major error: I was looking at my page for the Honda Fit!!!

The Yaris at 70MPH in 5th tachs approx 3,100 RPM. (At 80 it would be taching about 3,450 RPM.)

Take it from someone who has driven lots of 4Cyl cars over the last 40+ yrs, the Yaris engine is not noisy. The Corolla may be quieter, but the overall blandness would put me to sleep.

There is some road noise - especially here in the studded tire heaven of the PNW - but tire selection and some additional insulation would greatly help.

FYI: Driving is not about total silence - there is something going on out there.

fearturtle44

Only when I am acclerating FAST, do I hear much engine noise. When I am "cruising, the engine noise is MINIMAL....

Kevin

ronald711

I started looking at the Pontiac Vibe, has some Toyota quality built into it, but then I found out one dealer down by me was getting a Flint Mica base auto Yaris with power package and one additional feature, sport pedals. they came down a $1000 on my trade, so I wouldnt sign, so I called another dealer, who had appriased my vehicle for much higher and asked if they could obtain that vehicle. they said they should have no problem, so I gave them $200 refundable deposit and they will call me tomorrow, Im told the sport pedals come right off, cause I dont want them, but they will not take them off the price cause its on the manifest sticker. should be at port in 2 to 3 days, so keep your fingers crossed, that I have it my middle of next month.

fearturtle44

I had the OBX sport pedals on my tC and they looked pretty sharp compared to the standard black. I would keep them if it was me.....

Kevin

ronald711

I will check them out when the vehicle arrives, I am still waiting to hear if they can aquire the car from that dealership. Either way it doesn't cost much and they are just covers so there is no altering of the original black pedals to remove them or add them later. I hope everything goes through with getting the Yaris. I tell you its not fun dealing wih car dealerships. I didn't feel 100% comfortable with this dealership so I lowered the deposit, just in case what we wrote on the contract doesn't seem to be binding.

fearturtle44

I can tell you that everyone that buys a car also thinks they got a "good" deal. If every car was sold as a "good" deal then dealerships would be out of business. As long as you are happy with the car, the price is right.

It's funny that you anyone drives out the lot with their car, they think they got a great deal and the dealer is saying the same thing. Nothing wrong with that. Both parties were happy with the deal.

Kevin

asa805

I drove on the highway yesterday and the car just never kicked into the next gear. I was going 60mph and the engine was SO loud and it just didnt get to the next hump so to speak. Is something wrong with my car?

kneisl1

Are you sure it was in drive and not 1 or 2?

asa805

I just realized i was driving it in 3rd. Thats probably why!

kneisl1

There nothing like the smell of solving problems in the morning!

micweb

Before we have a chuckle at asa805's expense, I did the same thing on my test drive - the automatic selector works a little different from what I have seen before. Instead of having a button on the shift handle to disengage "overdrive" (which means drive in 3rd), the shaft rocks right or left to engage/disengage 3rd.

When I put it in gear, I "hugged" the left of the notched slot, not realizing that you have to put in in gear and shove it to the right to make sure it's in fourth.

Karen_S

A national finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who are looking to purchase a or have already purchased the new subcompact cars because of the high cost of fuel. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Saturday, June 10, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and the vehicle you are considering.

---------------

A national finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who have traded-in their larger SUV for a smaller vehicle, because of the high cost of gas. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Saturday, June 10, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and car you traded-in and the current car you own.

Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

ross14

First adv. price in Queens, NYC. Yaris 4dr w/ ac, at is $11,995. Needs side airbags; + destination. So about $13,000. Anyone seen an adv. for 2dr?

nippononly

here was one in yesterday's paper here - "Yaris, air, CD, $11,680". Did not say if it was a hatch or sedan, but the hatch was pictured. And if that was really a stick shift Yaris hatch with convenience package (I may yet go and check), then it was about $500 off sticker, which I find very encouraging! :-)

iluvmysephia1

with the Yaris hatch and Yaris sedan. I am really curious what the new Scion xA will look like. Will they use the Ractis "tall" wagon and American-ize it for us?

Or will the xA be scrapped for a brand new Scion of some sort?

I prefer the Yaris sedan and have not ruled one of them out for a possible purchase later on.

ronald711

My 2007 Yaris in Flint Mica with the power package arrived today. Im had the opportunity to sit in it, they have to PDI it and I have to wait for my money from the person who is buying my car this weekend, so I should be able to pick it up Monday, Im hoping... Im so excited.

lhanson

Hope they don't sell it to someone else by then.

ronald711

No it has a $200 deposit on it and has the sold sticker in it. My only problem is I took a loan out to pay off the lein on my car I sold to this person in Louisville, they are still trying to get their loan approved, Im still waiting to get the lein release (hopefully Saturday it will arrive) and if her loan is approved by tomorrow, were planning on going to the courthouse on Monday, but that is stil dependant on hearing she is ready with her loan, and I get the lien release from Eloan overnight for saturday delivery, cause it took a few days for loan check to post into my bank account before wire could have been done to them. Now Im being told that when I get the cashiers check since some of that is going to pay that loan off, that I will have to deposit that in my account and the funds will not be available immediately (per regulation CC, cashiers checks must be held for atleast 1 day) so then that means it will probably be Tuesday at the earliest that I will be able to pick up my car. Would I sell my car again outright, I really question it... In the mean time I have $13000 of the $16000 neede for the purchase of the car in cash and financing blank check. Given thought to putting the difference on a credit card which I then can pay with the cashier check, but the dealer offered to still take my trade at the price we discussed if the offer falls through, so I think if I did this and thenthe offer fell through, they wont do it, since they have been paid in full. so im leary of offering this to the dealer. anyone else go through this? is this common?

iluvmysephia1

the dealer my old car when buying a new one from them. I know you get burned from them but, on both of my Kia's, I got good trade-in value. I think it was because my dealer was really motivated to sell Kia's.

ronald711...congratulations on your purchase. I think you're gonna love your new Yaris sedan. Interestingly, your deal sounds kind of like a contingency purchase in real estate, where one's purchase of a house is contingent on their selling their current house. Similar but not exactly the same, I know.

Hang in there, you'll get your Yaris sedan. BTW-watching the Edmunds video of the Yaris sedan just made me want to go shopping for one again. Is this by some..design or something? Drive safely and enjoy your rigs!